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HBA OFFICE BUILDING PROJECT

GOES GREEN

Home Builders’ New Home to Demonstrate Practical High-Performance

Building Techniques

SPRINGFIELD, MO - The Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield has received the “green” light for its new office building infill project. The building permit has been issued by the City of Springfield to start work and the project is underway in Corporate Village in south Springfield. The HBA will use the construction of their new “home for home builders” as a working educational project to demonstrate sensible “green” building techniques that can have practical application in a residential construction setting.

“Some people might think that to build in a way that is environmentally sensitive, you have to live in a grass hut or an underground house,” said Matt Morrow, HBA Executive Officer. “Today’s green building options are far more realistic, while minimizing impact to the environment.”

Associate HBA members – generally suppliers and subcontractors – are showing great support for the association’s eco-friendly approach. HBA associates work to keep themselves on the cutting edge of their respective industries. This new project provides many of them with a unique opportunity to help educate the local building industry about the latest products and technology that can be used to save energy, conserve water, and utilize all resources in the most efficient way possible. Many suppliers take advantage of the opportunity to showcase products or materials that come from recycled materials.

Sam Bradley, Sam Bradley Homes, is the lead contractor on the project. “Sam is one of the most highly educated and knowledgeable builders you’ll find anywhere in the industry,” said Morrow. “His leadership roles in the National Association of Home Builders have prepared him well for spearheading this effort, and to maximize our opportunity to highlight what is often referred to as ‘high performance’ building.”

Bradley will utilize Icynene foam insulation which, applied as a liquid, minimizes air leakage for higher energy efficiency. “Sam’s comprehension of building science is integral to this project,” said Morrow. “For instance, he has taken into consideration the ample amount of natural light provided by the many windows in the existing building shell. Our final design maximizes that natural light, reducing the number of electrical lighting fixtures needed.” Bradley also plans to install dual-fuel systems for heating and air-conditioning, and the water heater will operate on a timer to reduce waste. Even the worksite dumpsters are eco-friendly, with separate receptacles for wood, drywall, paper products, glass, and metal. Recycling these building materials will reduce impact on landfills.

“The HBA’s recently adopted strategic plan prioritizes our goal of creating a voluntary, practical, high-performance, green building initiative for the local building industry. Our own building project can help marshal the resources and interest necessary to launch a comprehensive and sensible long-term program that ultimately can certify qualifying new homes as ‘green,’ while keeping the American dream of home ownership affordable for all of us.” Morrow said.